Job Description
City of Garden Grove
Public Safety Dispatcher
***Please read the job description and submit your application through the link provided to be considered for this position.***
SALARY
$31.85 - $47.05 Hourly
$5,520.00 - $8,156.00 Monthly
LOCATION
Police Department, CA
JOB TYPE
Full-Time
JOB NUMBER
2025-044
DEPARTMENT
Police
OPENING DATE
01/17/2025
CLOSING DATE
2/14/2025 5:00 PM Pacific
The City of Garden Grove is now accepting applications for:
Public Safety Dispatcher
Deadline to apply for this recruitment is Friday, February 14, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PST
Under general supervision, Public Safety Dispatchers send out personnel and equipment for both routine and emergency service based on information secured from incoming calls and according to established procedures. The ideal candidate for this position will be alert, highly responsible and able to make sound judgments quickly while working under high-pressure circumstances.
Dispatchers work a 3/12 shift. Employees are assigned to work the day or night shift and may be required to work on weekends and holidays, if staffing or workload dictates. Overtime or working through lunch may also be required if the work is urgent or the workload cannot be covered.
We anticipate creating an eligibility list from this recruitment that may be used to fill current and future vacancies. Apply now!
Essential Duties:
Receive and process requests for police, fire and/or emergency medical service utilizing a computerized dispatch system
Operate a multi-line computerized telephone system which includes 911 emergency phone lines, non-emergency phone lines, text to 911, and a TDD system
Dispatch personnel and equipment for both routine and emergency service utilizing phone location mapping according to established procedures or as directed
Maintain computer terminal and radio contact with field personnel
Relay messages and keep command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations
Maintain records and logs of communications activities, including activity logs, special files, lists and maps
Perform related duties as assigned
Requirements:
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Graduation from an accredited high school or successful completion of the G.E.D. (General Educational Development) exam and one (1) year of clerical or other related experience involving contact with the public and some use of independent judgment.
Completion of POST Public Safety Dispatcher Training is highly desirable.
KNOWLEDGE OF:
Customer service techniques and principles; computerized record systems, and use of personal computers.
ABILITY TO:
Learn the practices and procedures involved in public safety communications work; receive and transmit information, relay messages, keep command personnel informed of the status of emergency situations; maintain confidentiality of information that is inherently part of the position; apply predetermined plans; learn the operations of radio/telephone receiving and transmitting equipment; learn the geography of the City and maintain familiarity with the locations of streets, specified buildings and facilities to coordinate activity with field personnel on assignment; accurately read and interpret maps; work in a demanding, regimented environment and exercise good judgment in all situations; provide quality customer service and maintain a courteous, patient, and professional attitude on all radio and phone contacts; keep detailed and accurate records and logs of communication activities, special files, lists and maps; prepare reports; hear accurately and speak clearly and distinctly; type a minimum of 30 net words per minute and learn to use the computer-aided dispatch system; learn to use the computer-aided dispatch system, text-to-911 software and computerized phone equipment.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Incumbents in this classification walk; sit; stand; use fingers/hands repetitively; stoop, bend and lean; twist and turn; reach above and below shoulder level; speak clearly; hear normal voice conversation; distinguish shades or colors; see small details; use a telephone; use a radio and/or Computer-Aided Dispatch system; use a personal computer; and type or use a 10-key type keypad.
WORK ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a fast-paced office environment utilizing modern office equipment and technology and may require sitting for prolonged periods of time using a computer. The incumbent stands, walks, and may twist, reach, bend, crouch and kneel. An incumbent must be able to meet the requirements of the classification and have mobility, vision, hearing and dexterity levels appropriate to the duties to be performed. Exposure to high frequency noise, low lighting, multiple conversations, interruptions and highly-agitated callers are typical occurrences in this environment.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Applicants must not have any felony convictions.
The ability to speak Spanish, Vietnamese, or Korean is highly desirable.
Other Important Information:
HOW TO APPLY
***Please read the job description and submit your application through the link provided to be considered for this position.***
Online application packets must include:
a completed online employment application;
a completed supplemental questionnaire;
a completion certificate for the POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course, if applicable;
a valid POST Basic (or higher) Dispatcher certificate, if applicable;
a valid typing certificate, if applicable
The job application must be completely filled out. A resume may be submitted but cannot substitute for some of the information. Be sure to detail any education, training, or other relevant course work that would make you a particularly strong candidate.
Your application will be reviewed very carefully, and only those who appear to have the best qualifications will be invited to continue in the selection process. Meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee an invitation to further testing.
THE SELECTION PROCESS
The selection process may include:
APPLICATION SCREENING
WRITTEN EXAMINATION - Test scores must be received by the deadline of February 20, 2025 from one of the two test options below. Failure to complete one of the options below may result in disqualification from the recruitment process. Candidates may submit existing test scores that were taken within the prior year but still valid on February 20, 2025. Test scores must meet the minimum passing score(s) to be accepted.
National Testing Network (NTN) Emergency Communications Exam
This exam is administered directly by the NTN and candidates pay a test fee for the service. Please visit the NTN website for more information on testing locations and pricing.
To schedule a test, visit the National Testing Network website by clicking here. Select the Garden Grove Police Department and the specific position you are applying to.
NTN will submit your scores to Garden Grove Human Resources for review. Candidates should plan accordingly to allow adequate time for exam scoring and delivery by the deadline.
- OR -
P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Entry-Level Test Battery
Passing score: Total T-Score - 53 or higher
Garden Grove Human Resources does not have any P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Entry-Level Test Battery test dates scheduled. However, if you have taken the P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Entry-Level Test Battery test with another agency within the last year, you may submit a copy of your test results to meet the written exam requirement. Results must be on the testing agency's letterhead.
P.O.S.T. Public Safety Dispatcher Entry-Level Test Battery score may be attached to your online application or emailed.
TYPING TEST - see "Typing Certificate Information" below
ORAL INTERVIEW - tentatively scheduled for in-person on March 6, 2025
WRITTEN EXAM CAN BE WAIVED FOR CANDIDATES THAT CAN PROVIDE:
Proof of possession of a valid California POST Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Certificate; or
Proof of possession of the POST-Certified Public Safety Dispatcher Basic Course (80 hours minimum) and completion of probation as a Public Safety Dispatcher during previous employment.
Candidates who may need accommodations during the selection process must contact the Human Resources Department at least one week prior to any test dates.
CANDIDATES WILL ONLY RECEIVE COMMUNICATION THROUGH EMAIL. Candidates should check their email and spam mail for any notices regarding their status.
Candidates considered for appointment to a position must pass a thorough background investigation, Computer Voice Stress Analysis (CVSA) Examination, psychological evaluation, and pre-placement medical examination.
TYPING CERTIFICATE INFORMATION ***IMPORTANT INFORMATION - PLEASE READ***
Applicants must submit a typing certificate by March 6, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. PST.
Typing certificates must meet the following criteria:
Must document your typing speed for a 5-minute timed test
The minimum required speed is 30 net words per minute
Must be from an agency that regularly certifies typing speed, such as temporary agencies, workforce service centers, adult schools or other similar agencies. Certificate must include an agency name, proctor name, and phone number for possible verification
Certificate must be issued within the past 12 months (March 2024 - March 2025)
Internet or online certificates will not be accepted
If you have any questions regarding this recruitment, please contact Ashleigh Anderson Camba, Human Resources Analyst.
NEPOTISM POLICY
The City has adopted a Nepotism Policy that may affect the status of a candidate's application. Please refer to the Garden Grove Municipal Code 2.44.440 Nepotism Policy for more information.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
The City of Garden Grove is an Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, color, marital status, religion, ancestry, national origin, medical condition, non-disqualifying disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, genetic information, military/veteran status, or other protected class covered by appropriate law.
DISASTER SERVICE WORKER
Per Government Code 3100, in the event of a disaster, employees of the City of Garden Grove are considered disaster service workers and may be asked to respond accordingly.
Benefits
VACATION
Accrues at the following rates:
80 hours upon completion of one (1) year
120 hours after one (1) year - 10 hours per month
144 hours after nine (9) years - 12 hours per month
168 hours after fourteen (14) years - 14 hours per month
207 hours after nineteen (19) years - 17.25 hours per month
246 hours after twenty-four (24) years and thereafter
HOLIDAYS: 14 paid holidays a year (up to 125 hours)
SICK LEAVE: Accrues at 8 hours for each full calendar month of service.
CAFETERIA PLAN HEALTH INSURANCE: The City provides each eligible employee a fringe benefit allocation to purchase benefits for themselves and their dependents. Any unused portion of the allowance may be put into a deferred compensation plan, or taken as cash at the end of the year, or invested into a Flexible Reimbursement Account in which employees may tax-defer funds to use to pay for childcare or to cover those health and dental care expenses (deductibles, etc.) that are not reimbursed by an insurance carrier.
DEFERRED COMPENSATION PROGRAM: Employees may contribute to a 457(b) account up to the maximum as determined by the IRS annually. There is no City contribution.
RETIREMENT:
Tier I - Employees hired prior to January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2.5% at 55" single highest year option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute eight percent (8%) of salary to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. Employees hired after January 1, 2013 that have already been enrolled in CalPERS or another reciprocal retirement system and do not have a break in service of more than six (6) months may be hired into Tier I. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
Tier II - Employees hired after January 1, 2013, are covered by the "2% at 62" three highest year average option of the Public Employees' Retirement System (PERS) plan. Employees contribute half of the normal cost to PERS on a tax-deferred basis. The plan also includes the 1959 Survivor Benefit (Indexed Level), and $5,000 death benefit.
BILINGUAL INCENTIVE: Employees may receive $85 per pay period if designated by the department head and certified by Human Resources to use bilingual verbal and translation abilities for languages such as Spanish, Korean, Vietnamese, or other designated languages. A designated and certified bilingual employee required to utilize his/her verbal-only bilingual abilities (Vietnamese, Korean, Spanish and/or any other language designated by the City Manager) on City business will be paid $65 each pay period.
TUITION REIMBURSEMENT: Employees who successfully pass probation may receive up to $3,000 per year for pre-approved completed coursework toward a college degree.
RIDESHARE PROGRAM: Incentives in the form of various gift certificates and transportation subsidies are provided to encourage ride sharing and other types of alternate commuting modes.
THE BENEFITS LISTED ABOVE ARE ONLY RELEVANT TO FULL TIME EMPLOYEES. BENEFITS FOR PART-TIME BENEFITED AND NON-BENEFITED EMPLOYEES WILL DIFFER FROM THOSE OF A FULL TIME EMPLOYEE.
Agency
City of Garden Grove
Address
11222 Acacia Parkway
P.O. Box 3070
Garden Grove, California, 92842
Phone
714 741 5004
Employment Type: Full-Time
Salary: $ 31.00 47.00 Per Hour
Job Tags
Hourly pay, Holiday work, Full time, Temporary work, Part time, Immediate start, Trial period, Flexible hours, Shift work, Night shift, Weekend work, Day shift,